Effects of inclusion of black soldier fly larvae on growth performance, relative organ weight, and meat quality of broiler chickens

The objective of this experiment was to investigates effects of inclusion of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on growth performance, relative organ weight, and meat quality of broiler chickens. A total of 180 1-d-old broiler chickens were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 5 replicates. Each replicate consisted of 12 birds. Experimental diets were formulated to contain full-fat BSFL at inclusion levels of 0 %, 1 %, and 2 %. These diets were provided on an ad libitum basis for 5 wk. Results indicated that birds fed diet containing 1 % BSFL had greater (P < 0.05) feed efficiency than those fed diets containing 2 % BSFL. However, BW gain and feed intake of broiler chickens were not affected by increasing inclusion levels of BSFL in diets. Increasing inclusion levels of BSFL in diets showed a quadratic relationship (P < 0.05) with relative thymus weight. For meat color, values for redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) were decreased (linear, P < 0.05) as BSFL inclusion level of diets increased. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance decreased (quadratic, P < 0.05) with increasing inclusion levels of BSFL in diets. Melanin concentrations in breast meat and liver characteristics were not affected by increasing inclusion levels of BSFL in diets. Increasing concentrations of BSFL in diets increased myristic acid concentrations (linear, P < 0.01) and eicosapentaenoic acid concentrations (linear, P < 0.05) in breast meat. These results suggest that dietary supplementation of BSFL has positive effects on immune organ weight, breast meat quality, and fatty acid compositions in breast meat. Therefore, BSFL can be used as a feed ingredient for broiler chickens. Also, we suggest that dietary supplementation of 1 % BSFL improves the performance and health of broiler chickens.